title: Effects of mobilization and tactile stimulation on recovery of the hemiplegic upper limb: a series of replicated single-system studies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the effects on motor function and impairment of mobilization and tactile stimulation for the paretic arm and hand after stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  Replicated single-system series, ABA design.
  
  
  METHODS
  The stroke rehabilitation ward of a community hospital in the United Kingdom.
  
  
  METHODS
  Consecutive sample, men and women (N=6) with stroke (left or right), within 3 months of onset.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty minutes of daily mobilization and tactile stimulation to the paretic arm and hand for 6 weeks in addition to the usual rehabilitation program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focal disability (Action Research Arm Test [ARAT]) and motor impairment (Motricity Index arm section).
  
  
  RESULTS
  All participants showed visual change in 1 or more of trend, level, or slope between baseline and intervention phases for both the ARAT and the Motricity Index. The visual analysis was confirmed through statistical testing (c statistic and/or Mann-Whitney U test) for 5 of 6 participants (statistical analysis was precluded for 1 participant). No further improvements were made on intervention withdrawal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows proof of concept for using mobilization and tactile stimulation to improve motor recovery after severe paresis, justifying conducting dose-finding studies as a precursor to multicenter phase III clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Research Institute for Life Course Studies, Keele University, Keele, UK. s.m.hunter@shar.keele.ac.uk
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Crome
authors.forename: Julius
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sim
authors.forename: Valerie M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Pomeroy
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D020127:Recovery of Function; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014110:Touch / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*